Raiders fall short against Gators

Although Navarre’s boys basketball team came up short in a game against Escambia Saturday afternoon, falling 62-54, head coach Taf Bentley was pleased with the way his team battled the entire way as it nearly rallied for a win.

It was the first loss of the year for the Raiders, who are 2-1 on the season.

“Our guys played hard,” Bentley said. “They really played well as a team. It’s never easy losing, but I’m proud of their effort.”

The Raiders fell behind 17-7 after one quarter and went into halftime down 27-19. Navarre came out of halftime with its energy cranked up and took a 35-34 lead with 1:40 to play on a layup by Tre Baker.

Navarre trailed 38-37 at the end of three quarters but took the lead back at 41-38 on a 3-pointer by Quinton Wylie. An inside shot by Juwan Bracey put the Raiders up 43-38. The lead didn’t last. Escambia hit big shots and clutch free throws down the stretch to secure the win.

Bentley said his team spent a lot of energy in its attempt to rally.

“We did a great job of getting back into the game and even had the lead,” Bentley said. But we used up so much energy to get back in the game and didn’t have a lot left in the fourth quarter.”

Read the full story in the Nov. 26 edition of Navarre Press or subscribe online here.